Of all the props or prop replicas from TV shows or movies I’ve ever coveted, the one that has been the most inexplicably absent, as far as I was concerned, was the sword of Inigo Montoya from the movie “The Princess Bride.” A focal point of the movie, this stunning blade was famed throughout Spain, Guilder, Florin, and much of the rest of Europe as the blindingly fast weapon of the sword master Inigo Montoya. The finest sword ever crafted by his father, the greatest swordmaker in the world, it became Inigo’s when the sword’s buyer haggled over the price and ultimately killed his father. Inigo spent years devoting himself to the practice of the sword so that one day, when he met this six-fingered man again, he could say, “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” I loved the book for years before the movie and I love the movie just as much, as did many others, but until very recently there has been little to no Princess Bride merchandise available, possibly because the movie didn’t really hit cult status until it came out on video. Then we got re-releases, plush characters, action […]
Read More

More goodies up for bid in my ongoing “I Need Money and Want to Be Able to Walk Through My House Without Turning Sideways” auction. This time we have: Strangers in Paradise “Abbey Road” T-shirt: This is the limited edition Wrap Party version of this shirt, only available by buying tickets to the Strangers in Paradise Wrap Party and Comic Book Legal Defense Fund event in NYC in 2007. It has the Abbey Road image of the SiP cast on the front and the wrap party tour dates on the back. There were 100 made; this is #2 (marked thusly, under the tour dates). Black, Adult XL, Hanes Heavyweight. Never worn. Mal and Zoe dog tags from QMx: QMx had some dog tags made for Sgt. Malcolm Reynolds and Cpl. Zoe Alleyne, 57th Overlanders, Hera, to give out as promos at events and conventions. Brand new, made of high-quality metal plate with enamel, they measure approximately 5 cm x 2.5 cm. A black rubber silencer and chain is included with each. Vertigo Tarot: This is a beautiful thing. Released when people couldn’t get enough Sandman and Vertigo Comics, this stunningly illustrated tarot set uses characters from Sandman, The Books of […]
Read More

Time to purge the shelves and closets and earn some much needed cash, I’m thinking, so I’m throwing some stuff onto eBay. Weird stuff tends to accumulate at the Old Bridges Place, and I suspect it breeds because I know I never bought half this stuff. Here’s what’s up for auction so far: Primeval Seasons 1 and 2: DVD sets, 4- and 3-disc sets respectively, that include the first two seasons of the hit BBC show Primeval Dinosaurs are popping up in modern day Britain and a team is quickly assembled to deal with it. Does this team, perchance, have a competent leader, a brave and trustworthy 2nd in command, and quirky but good-hearted team members? Why, yes! Yes, it does. Lots of fun, decent effects, and plenty of twists. A Serenity Alliance Currency Money Pack: You’ve been here before, you know what it is (a pack of Alliance money prop duplicates, made from the digital images used for the movie on rag paper, including a map of Miranda). Sealed in the box. “That ’70s Show” Viewmaster: Yeah? I’ll bet you don’t have one… A Viewmaster with the logo from the show and the dates it was on the air […]
Read More

The newest and most eagerly awaited Serenity comic is coming November 24, and you can preorder it now for 20% off. “The Shepherd’s Tale” finally opens up the life of Derrial Book. Written by Zack Whedon based on Joss’ outline and drawn by Chris Samnee, it’ll be 56 pages and published in hardcover. One of Serenity‘s greatest mysteries is finally revealed in Shepherd’s Tale, filling in the life of one of the show’s most beloved characters–Shepherd Book! Who was Book before meeting Mal and the rest of the Serenity crew, how did he become one of their most trusted allies, and how did he find God in a bowl of soup? Answers to these and more questions about Book’s past are uncovered in this original graphic novel by rising stars Zack Whedon (Dr. Horrible, Terminator, Fringe) and Chris Samnee (Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps, Daredevil). A pivotal chapter in the ongoing Serenity saga, Shepherd’s Tale is also a rollicking, action-packed epic in its own right! $14.99 in stores, but TFAW is offering preorders for $11.99. You definitely don’t want to miss this one. He don’t give half a hump if you’re innocent or not. So where does that put […]
Read More

Been waiting to see this hit the stores for a long time, now. QMx has just released the Serenity Architectural Cutaway Poster Set, a set of four extra-large, 32″ x 24” full-color lithographs depicting our lady in all her glory. Lovingly hand-painted by sci-fi technical illustrator John Mullaney, it’s packed with more goodies than you can imagine. As one of the QMx Brain Trust that helped answer John’s questions about layout and details from the show and movie, I’ve been fortunate enough to see the different incarnations of this over the last three years as it developed and I’ve been in awe every step of the way. (My critiques consisted mostly of “Oh my God,” and “Wow, just wow,” along with some vague mumblings about Early’s airlock.) He put his heart into this, and it shows. The diagrams include Serenity coming and going, the shuttles and the Mule. It’s a wonderful match for the Serenty Blueprints and should just about take care of that last little bit of blank space on your wall. In addition to all the technical detail exposed in these 3-D cutaways, every inch of Serenity is decorated with the possessions of her crew. You’ll find hundreds […]
Read More

Quantum Mechanix doesn’t seem to be slowing down much when it comes to shiny new Serenity stuff, and I’m glad to see it. Two new items just hit the pre-order lists: a scary-accurate scale replica of the Mule, and a River maquette. The Mule is just gorgeous. QMx has produced the first ever exact scale model replica of the Flying Mule as seen in the movie Serenity. Measuring 14.5″ x 10.75″ x 4.5,” the Mule replica is a highly detailed model, hand-painted to match the movie vehicle exactly, right down to the emblems and decals. Using the studio-supplied blueprints and AutoCAD model, plus extensive photographic reference, this Mule replica is the last word in accuracy. Included with the Mule replica is a cast-resin diorama measuring 15.5″ x 10.75″ x 1.” This hand-painted base simulates the sandy surface of some Border moon perfectly. The QMx Mule can be displayed in one of two modes: CGI mode, where two heavy-duty acrylic posts are used to hold up the Mule, simulating the hover effect. And Backstage mode, with a replica of the dolly used to store the Mule between shots that you can set your Mule on. Mules don’t come cheap; retail is […]
Read More

New at the Prop Store of London: a freaking engine from Serenity. Well, from a Serenity model, anyway. Well, the model they modeled the CG Firefly from, anyway. But still. This is a master pattern of an engine for the model of the ship “Serenity” used in the 2005 Joss Whedon film of the same name. Engines such as this can be seen throughout the film as this piece was used as the pattern for the engines on the models used for the ship’s exterior shots. The engine features a domed top, and has a very futuristic mechanical design, reflecting the time in which the film is set: 510 years in the future. This unique piece is made of resin, hardened foam, is painted silver, and is in very good condition, offering collectors a rare chance to own a piece that was instrumental in creating the beloved ship! Just $495, cheap to keep her in the sky.
Read More

A few months ago QMx announced their first official Firefly item (as opposed to their Serenity items, you see; they acquired the Firefly license from FOX). What could they do to make something cool, affordable, and personal? A pocket-sized Firefly for your very own, of course! About 2″ long, made of solid metal with a pewter finish, it’s solid and just a joy to look at. Here’s a pic of mine: It’s heavier and less fragile than I expected; you could drop this and not worry. I’m not sure I’d actually use it as a keychain, though, the reactor manifold strut things under the engine tends to catch on things in my pocket.At the moment it’s dangling from my rear view mirror. But it looks perfect. Made from the original digital files from the show, it captures the feel of our good girl nicely. $9.99 plus shipping. QMx has them back in stock or if you’d rather you can buy it through Amazon .
Read More

Need to know where you go, out there in the black? Ben Mund and QMx have got you covered, at least as long as you stick to the New Canaan run. The New Canaan run is favored by captains flying light- and mid-bulk transports for its diverse markets and exports. And for those who must occasionally live on the raggedy edge, its varied levels of law enforcement are a plus, as well. The route described in the 26 full-color pages of the Atlas spans 11 planetary systems, crossing from The Core through The Border to The Rim and back. Using the same format as the successful Serenity Blueprints Reference Pack, the Atlas of the Verse includes maps and info about Londinium, Persephone, Beaumonde, Silverhold, Harvest (and Higgins’ Moon), New Canaan (and Lilac), Hera, Shadow, Ariel, Osiris and Sihnon, plus lots of “local color” for each. Learn about the ceramics available from Higgins Industrial, check out satellite maps of Eavesdown Docks, get a copy of the tactical map from the Battle of Serenity Valley and a lot more. I’ve been privileged to see this developing over the last 2 years and I can tell you the attention to detail borders on […]
Read More

OK, not only is QMx offering preorders of their teased Firefly keychain — solid metal, pewter finish — for just $9.95, but if you order one before March 31 you’ll get a chance to win a chrome one. The Firefly Replica Keychain was created using the TV series’ special effects files and carefully scaling them down to just over two inches. The keychain is cast in solid metal with a pewter finish and contains an incredible amount of detail – leaving no doubt that when you travel, you do it in Firefly style. This is the first item QMx has prioduced with their new Firefly license (as opposed to their Serenity license) and it’s seriously cool and very affordable. You’re gonna order one anyway, you know it. Might as well get in on a chance for an even shinier one.
Read More